Matt Maher with Zach Williams

More Info

Matt Maher:
Singer/Songwriter/Worship Leader Matt Maher has signed with Provident Label Group’s Essential Records, and has announced the release of his 12-track debut album, Empty & Beautiful, which will hit stores April 8, 2008. On Empty & Beautiful, Maher breaks open the two simple words in the title, through songs that are both corporate and reflective; driving and soft; each one telling the story from a different perspective. Empty & Beautiful was co-produced by Matt Maher and Jeff Thomas, except for, “As It Is In Heaven,” which was produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Bebo Norman, Bethany Dillon).

Maher describes the heart behind his Essential Records debut, “In life, we end up having to empty ourselves to achieve that which is beautiful. If you don’t, you never really get made beautiful. It’s a weird dichotomy, especially in the world we live in because there’s so much focus on beauty. The whole idea of having to empty one’s self to achieve beauty is completely counter cultural, but that’s what happens—marriage, service of the poor, sharing the beauty of the gospel. That’s what Christ calls us to do, and I hope these songs will help inspire people to follow Jesus in that way.”

Beyond serving with organizations like WorshipTogether.com, SpiritandSong.com, Passion, Youth Specialties, and Adore Ministries, Matt Maher is also a contributing artist for Life Teen, a high school youth movement that helped lead him to Jesus; his songs are being sung by the Church around the world. A number of Matt Maher-written songs have been recorded by other artists, including: “Your Grace is Enough,” Maher’s first radio single and a song for the church that was originally recorded by Maher’s good friend, Chris Tomlin; “Unwavering,” a reflection on the Beatitudes (recorded prior by Bethany Dillon); “For Your Glory,” a new testament response to the book of Ecclesiastes (recorded by Phillips, Craig and Dean).

With an incredible love for Christ, and a heart to reach people with the Gospel, Maher seeks to meet people where they are, not where he wishes they would be. Often referring to himself as a “musical missionary,” Maher, who also serves as part of the worship team at his home church in Mesa, Arizona, St. Timothy Catholic Community, shares, “It’s so important to stay in community when you want to write for the Church. That is where your songs come from; from your relationship with Christ, with your immediate family, and the family of believers.”

Born and raised in Newfoundland, Canada, Maher grew up in a strong culture comprised of two elements: music and tradition. Maher continues, “Music is part of the fabric of the culture there, similar to places like Louisiana or the Appalachian mountains; and over the years, not just Celtic music, but music of every kind. I grew up listening to American Top 40 with Casey Kasem every Saturday, rain or shine. My dad would cook while listening to Willie Nelson or Frank Sinatra. My cousins, who lived next door, listened to everything from Broadway to British Rock, like the Beatles and The Who.” Early in his life, Maher’s parents realized his talent for music and started him in piano lessons. He quickly absorbed as many musical styles as possible, playing in concert and jazz ensembles, singing in choir, and even playing in a high school garage rock band. During his college years, Matt received a scholarship from the Jazz Department at Arizona State University, where he studied Jazz Piano.

Zach Williams:
Zach Williams comes from Georgia and his music comes from childhood bike rides down steep hills, the valleys of real tragedy, the rivers of hope pushing you on, sincere prayers, wind chimes on a back porch where grandfathers rock in silence, the back of cereal boxes on Saturday mornings, rust and shadows in an old barn, wet pavement after rain in the city, a string full of caught fish, the advice of generations before, the way love will surprise you in someone you’ve known for years, a bullheaded grip on lifelong friendship, and the offering of an open hand.
Zach was a late bloomer as songwriters go and didn’t perform his first song publicly till near the end of college. That was in West Palm Beach in 2004 and the reception to this new artist was as warm as a south Florida summer night. The music and Zach have been growing ever since. His first band developed quite a loyal following in West Palm, recorded their first self-titled album, and hit the road for a short tour of the southeast. The pull of being at different stages in life led the original band to part ways in Florida, but Zach carried the music and the spirit with him. It was the beginning of something.

Zach began to pull from the corners of his life, to weave fact and fiction, to pound out melodies from the backs of memories, and as life took him north he chose to root the expression of his music in the south that had formed him, the faith that sustains him, and his friends. He stumbled upon a sound that is both soulful and penetrating.

Zach currently resides with his wife Stacy in Brooklyn and would tell you that his music represents the communities he has had the privilege to pass through, experience, and the ones he is still holding on to. His voice carries layers of Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and Adam Duritz. The blend is refreshing and above all honest. Zach has formed a new band since arriving in New York. The band’s Americana folk sound drifts towards all out rock n roll at moments and Zach performs as if he is strapped to the front of a freight train. Zach and the band’s crowning achievement thus far is crafting a live show that is both approachable and yet coursing with adrenaline. You can dance to it too. It leaves you feeling like you have spent the evening hearing the stories of your close friends.

Zach brings an open and collaborative spirit to the music he makes. He invites listeners to come in and live for a while in his songs, to take what you can and leave what you will. His music is not complete without the people who shape it, the people who are shaped by it, and God who holds it all together.